Arm band accessory holder for hair stylists, barbers and make up artists

ABSTRACT

A set of arm band tool holders for professional hair stylists, each having an array of pockets, compartments and receptacles for more convenient access to common stylist tools and implements. Each arm band tool holder (for right and left arms) holds an array of brushes, clips, combs and scissors of varying sizes all ready for instant access within the stylist&#39;s direct line of vision as he focuses on a client. The stylist can continuously select and exchange tools without having to look away from the subject, allowing him to complete the task at hand more efficiently.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application derives priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/670,382, filed 11 Jul. 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to professional hair stylist tools and accessories and, more particularly, to an arm band tool holder with an array of pockets for more convenient access to common stylist tools and implements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Professional hair stylists regularly employ a wide variety of tools and accessories while serving their clients, including a great selection of brushes, clips, combs and scissors of varying sizes. Most stylists simply store these implements on a nearby countertop. However, it is inconvenient and time consuming to be constantly retrieving such items one by one while attending to the client who remains seated in a chair a few feet away. Tool belts are known, perhaps more commonly by carpenters than stylists, as a way of accessibly carrying tools. However, tool belts can be inconvenient for smaller tools, and access to a belt can be difficult if the stylist is prone or leaning over a client. Tool belts still require groping for the correct tool, which is typically outside the line of sight when working on the client. Therefore, there exists a need in the art for a device that will accommodate efficient holding and storage of multiple hair care accessories, all within the stylist's direct line of sight when working on a client. Such a device must be highly protective, minimizing the potential for either stylist or client to come in inadvertent contact with a tool such as scissors. The device must permit storage of multiple hair care tools and accessories without unduly restricting the stylist's freedom of motion, and must be comfortable when worn for a prolonged amount of time. Ideally, such a device will be of relatively simple and straightforward design and construction and will be easy to use and maintain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a forearm sleeve tool holder 2 according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a bottom view and a top view, respectively, of an embodiment of a forearm sleeve tool holder 2 according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the forearm sleeve tool holder 2 in the open (unzippered) configuration illustrating the layout of tool retaining portions 16 on body panel 12.

FIG. 5 is a composite perspective view (from four angles) of an embodiment of a bicep to wrist sleeve tool holder 2 for the right arm, including right side view (A), left side view (B), top view (C) and bottom view (D).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a set of arm band tool holders each with an array of pockets for more convenient access to common stylist tools and implements. Each arm band tool holder (for right and left arms) holds an array of brushes, clips, combs and scissors of varying sizes all ready for instant access within the stylist's direct line of vision as he/she focuses on a client. Each arm band tool holder can be worn around an arm stretching from wrist to elbow or bicep to wrist (covering the forearm) and used to hold tools and other implements as the stylist moves about the client keeping his/her eyes focused on the subject of his work. Thus, not only can the tools and implements remain within the stylist's reach, but the stylist can continuously select and exchange tools without having to look away from the subject. Accordingly, the stylist can complete the task at hand more efficiently.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a forearm sleeve tool holder 2 according to the present invention. A set of two forearm sleeve tool holders 2 worn by a professional hair stylist on each arm provides a large array of pockets, compartments and receptacles for convenient access to common stylist tools and implements. The stylist can continuously select and exchange tools without having to look away from the subject, allowing him to complete the task at hand more efficiently.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are a bottom view and a top view, respectively, of an embodiment of a forearm sleeve tool holder 2 according to the present invention, which includes a flexible body panel 12 with a zipper closure 14, and one or more tool retaining portions 16 distributed across the outside surface of the flexible body panel 12. The flexible body panel 12 is a trapezoidal section of Neoprene™ with mating zipper closures sewn along each angled side so that when the zipper 14 is fastened together the body panel forms a frusto-conical sleeve for conforming to the user's forearm. The wrist and elbow edges of the body panel 12 may be doubled over and sewn to form reinforced collars that grip the wrist and elbow, keeping the forearm sleeve tool holder 2 taught and preventing bunching. Neoprene™ is preferred for its stretch, durability and comfort, but flexible body 12 may be made from any material that can be worn comfortably by a stylist and that is sufficiently durable for multiple uses, including, but not limited to cotton, polyester and nylon. Tool retaining portions 16 generally include longitudinally extending pockets, chambers, compartments, elastic bands or other receptacles that are capable of receiving and retaining the tools that the stylist needs to complete his/her work. However, other arrangements are possible and the disclosed device is not limited to this embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tool retaining portions 16 include a pair of elastic bands 18 sewn along the body panel 12, one each sewn distally around the wrist and elbow, and sewn to the body panel 12 at increments along their length to define individual open-ended compartments for storage of hair clips. The hair clips may be inserted under the band 18 sections and held in place. In addition, a pair of triangular open-ended shear pockets 20A, 20B are sewn to the bottom side of the forearm sleeve tool holder 2 (FIG. 2) each for containing a pair of styling shears in a safe, accessible location below the forearm. It should be noted that alternate pockets may be provided, and may take on several shapes as a matter of design choice. The tool retaining portions 16 also include a pair of rectangular comb pockets 24A, 24B sewn along the midsection of body panel 12 on the upper side (FIG. 3), one each sewn on each side, and sewn along three sides to the body panel 12 to define individual open-ended compartments for storage of combs, with inwardly facing open ends for handy insertion/removal. A similar rectangular compartment 26 is sewn between the elbow band 18 for storing the stylist's razor. A zipper tie-down 22 is also provided, and this comprises a short strap with snap-closure that when fastened straddles the zipper head at the elbow to secure it and prevent inadvertent unzippering.

Other tool retaining portions 16 may also be provided where there is open space along body panel 12 as required to accommodate the varying needs of its stylist, or to provide increased storage capacity.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the forearm sleeve tool holder 2 in the open (unzippered) configuration illustrating the layout of tool retaining portions 16 on body panel 12. It should be appreciated that the forearm sleeve tool holder 2, when properly worn on a forearm, keeps all tools and implements within the tool retaining portions 16 inside the stylist's line of sight. Accordingly, the forearm sleeve tool holder 2 allows easy visual exchanges of combs, clips, brushes, razors shears or other tools that the stylist needs to efficiently perform his job.

Importantly, a ½′″ margin 27 is sewn beneath one side of the zipper closure 14 to provide an underlying pad to prevent the teeth of zipper 14 from contacting the skin. Alternately, one side of the flexible body panel 12 may be extended beneath and beyond zipper 14 to define margin 27.

Whereas the above-described embodiment of forearm sleeve tool holder 2 is best-suited for the stylist's left arm, an alternate mirror-image embodiment is used for the stylist's right arm. FIG. 5 is a composite perspective view (from four angles) of an embodiment of a bicep to wrist sleeve tool holder 2 for the right arm, including right side view (A), left side view (B), top view (C) and bottom view (D). This embodiment likewise includes a flexible body panel 12 with a zipper closure 14, and an array of tool retaining portions 16 distributed across the outside surface of the flexible body panel 12. Tool retaining portions 16 include a different array of longitudinally extending pockets, chambers, compartments, elastic bands or other receptacles. In the illustrated embodiment, the tool retaining portions 16 include four elastic bands 18 sewn along the body panel 12, a pair each sewn distally at the wrist and bicep, and sewn to the body panel 12 at increments along their length to define individual open-ended compartments for storage of hair clips. In addition, a pair of triangular open-ended shear pockets 20A, 20B are sewn to the bottom side of the forearm sleeve tool holder 2 (D) each for containing a pair of styling shears in a safe, accessible location below the forearm. The tool retaining portions 16 also include a pair of rectangular comb pockets 24A, 24B sewn along the midsection of body panel 12 on the upper side (A, B), one each sewn on each side, and sewn along three sides to the body panel 12 to define individual open-ended compartments for storage of combs, with inwardly facing open ends for handy insertion/removal. A similar rectangular compartment 26 is sewn between 20A and 20B for storing the stylist's razor. A zipper tie-down 22 is also provided, and this comprises a short strap with snap-closure that when fastened straddles the zipper head at the elbow to secure it and prevent inadvertent unzippering.

It should now be apparent that the set of arm band tool holders 2 with their array of pockets provides more convenient access to common stylist tools and implements, each holding an array of brushes, clips, combs and scissors of varying sizes all ready for instant access within the stylist's direct line of vision as he/she focuses on a client. .

Having now fully set forth the preferred embodiments and certain modifications of the concept underlying the present invention, various other embodiments as well as certain variations and modifications thereto may obviously occur to those skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with the underlying concept. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically set forth herein. 

I claim:
 1. A forearm sleeve tool holder for carrying professional stylist tools and implements, comprising: a flexible elastic body panel formed in a trapezoidal shape with at least one pair of parallel sides and one pair of oblique sides, and having a zipper closure along said two oblique two sides; a plurality of tool retaining portions distributed across the outside surface of the flexible body panel, said tool retaining portions including one or more chosen from the group of a compartmented elastic belts, open-ended rectangular pockets, and open-ended triangular pockets.
 2. The forearm sleeve tool holder according to claim 1, wherein said flexible elastic body panel comprises Neoprene™.
 3. The forearm sleeve tool holder according to claim 1, wherein said tool retaining portions comprise a pair of elongate elastic bands one each extending parallel to each of the parallel sides of said flexible elastic body panel.
 4. The forearm sleeve tool holder according to claim 1, wherein said tool retaining portions comprise a pair of triangular open-ended shear pockets for containing a pair of styling shears.
 5. The forearm sleeve tool holder according to claim 1, wherein said tool retaining portions comprise a pair of rectangular comb pockets for storage of combs.
 6. The forearm sleeve tool holder according to claim 1, further comprising a zipper tie-down comprising a strap with snap-closure that straddles the zipper head to secure it and prevent inadvertent unzippering.
 7. The forearm sleeve tool holder according to claim 1, further comprising an extended margin extending from one of said oblique sides beneath said zipper closure to prevent the zipper from contacting the skin.
 8. The forearm sleeve tool holder according to claim 1, configured to be worn around the forearm and covering from wrist to elbow.
 9. A pair of forearm sleeve tool holders for carrying professional stylist tools and implements, said forearm sleeve tool holders including a right arm tool holder and a left arm tool holder, said right arm tool holder further comprising, a flexible elastic body panel formed in a trapezoidal shape with at least one pair of parallel sides and one pair of oblique sides, and having a zipper closure along said two oblique two sides, and a plurality of tool retaining portions distributed across the outside surface of the flexible body panel, said tool retaining portions including one or more chosen from the group of a compartmented elastic belts, open-ended rectangular pockets, and open-ended triangular pockets; and said left arm tool holder further comprising, a flexible elastic body panel formed in a trapezoidal shape with at least one pair of parallel sides and one pair of oblique sides, and having a zipper closure along said two oblique two sides, and a plurality of tool retaining portions distributed across the outside surface of the flexible body panel, said tool retaining portions including one or more chosen from the group of a compartmented elastic belts, open-ended rectangular pockets, and open-ended triangular pockets.
 10. The pair of forearm sleeve tool holders according to claim 9, wherein both said right arm and left arm tool holder flexible elastic body panel comprise Neoprene™.
 11. The pair of forearm sleeve tool holders according to claim 9, wherein both said right arm and left arm tool holder tool retaining portions comprise a pair of elongate elastic bands one each extending parallel to each of the parallel sides of said flexible elastic body panel.
 12. The pair of forearm sleeve tool holders according to claim 9, wherein both said right arm and left arm tool holder tool retaining portions comprise a pair of triangular open-ended shear pockets for containing a pair of styling shears.
 13. The pair of forearm sleeve tool holders according to claim 12, wherein both said right arm and left arm tool holder tool retaining portions comprise a pair of rectangular comb pockets for storage of combs.
 14. The pair of forearm sleeve tool holders according to claim 9, wherein both said right arm and left arm tool holders further comprise a zipper tie-down strap with snap-closure that straddles the zipper head to secure it and prevent inadvertent unzippering.
 15. The pair of forearm sleeve tool holders according to claim 9, wherein both said right arm and left arm tool holders comprise an extended margin extending from one of said oblique sides beneath said zipper closure to prevent the zipper from contacting the skin.
 16. The pair of forearm sleeve tool holders according to claim 13, wherein said right arm and left arm tool holders are configured in mirror image patterns. 